Literal vs. Figurative Language

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What is Literal Language?

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Literal language means exactly what it says. It describes things in a straightforward way without exaggeration or metaphor.

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What is Figurative Language?

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Figurative language uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. It often involves similes, metaphors, and idioms.

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Example of Literal Language: 'The cat is on the mat.' What does it mean?

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It means that a cat is actually sitting on a mat.

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Example of Figurative Language: 'It's raining cats and dogs.' What does it mean?

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It means that it is raining very heavily, not that actual cats and dogs are falling from the sky.

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What is a Simile?

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A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words 'like' or 'as'.

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Example of a Simile: 'She is as brave as a lion.' What does it mean?

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It means that she is very brave, comparing her bravery to that of a lion.

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What is a Metaphor?

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A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two different things without using 'like' or 'as'.

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Example of a Metaphor: 'Time is a thief.' What does it mean?

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It means that time can take away moments from our lives, just like a thief takes things.

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What is an Idiom?

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An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.

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Example of an Idiom: 'Kick the bucket.' What does it mean?

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It means to die, not literally to kick a bucket.